The Flowing Waters - Outlook Traveller

Itinerary 5Days/4Nights

Orchha—200km/5.5 hours—Panna—110km/3 hours—Chitrakoot—140km/3.5hours—Rewa

A look at the map of Madhya Pradesh shows you a land well-veined with streams, tributaries and rivers. There are 11 major rivers in Madhya Pradesh and innumerable smaller rivers, tributaries and streams. And like everywhere in the world, the banks of these rivers have given birth to civilizations, seen the rise of various kingdoms, and the establishment of beautiful cities. Of course, the Narmada is the lifeline of this central province of India. However, there are several rivers that are also revered for their life-giving benevolence.

People crossing the swift Betwa river in Orchha

Abhinav Kakkar

Day 1

Begin your worship of the rivers with Betwa at Orchha. It was here on the western banks of the Vetravati that Raja Rudra Pratap Singh founded his capital in 1531. Geographically, the river is the centrepiece of this historical town. The massive fort complex, the Chaturbhuj Temple, the Raja Ram Mandir are all located near the riverfront. Even more prominently located by the bank are the chhatris, or cenotaphs, of the Bundela royals. The spot was clearly chosen to create the most calm and beautiful surroundings as the final resting place of these erstwhile rulers of Orchha. Today, if you take a boat ride on the river, the structures look spectacular, half covered by the mist that comes off the river at twilight. Also, enjoy rafting on the Betwa – an experience that nicely blends history and adventure.

Dundhwa waterfall at the Panna National Park

Abhinav Kakkar

Day 2

Make your way to Panna, where flows the beautiful river Ken, one of the major rivers of the Bundelkhand region, and a tributary of the Yamuna. The Panna National Park covers an area of 542.67km and has beautiful forests of sal, crocodile bark, Arjun, and jamun. These jungles form a significant part of the catchment area of the Ken River, which runs northeast for about 72km through the park.

Once called Karnavati, the river is pretty much the lifeline for the national park and its diverse fauna. Tigresses frequently choose spots near waterfalls or the riverbank to have cubs and also to raise them. The meandering river also offers some spectacular scenery with ravines and gorges.

Devotees taking a dip near the Sati Anusuya Temple, Chitrakoot

Abhinav Kakkar

Day 3

Move to Chitrakoot, where the beautiful Mandakini or Paisuni holds court. Do note that this is not the same as the Mandakini that is a tributary of the Ganga in the Himalaya. The legend goes that Sati Anusuya requested Ganga to come here in the form of Mandakini to save the village from drought, which explains why this river is also referred to as Mandakini in Chitrakoot. Paisuni originates in Satna River and eventually joins the Yamuna.

The town’s life centres around Ram Ghat and its surroundings with temples, dharamshalas, shops and havelis clustering around it. Boats ply between the two banks and the evening aarti to the river is a stunning and engrossing ritual.

Janki Ghat in Chitrakoot is situated on the banks of river Mandakini

Abhinav Kakkar

Day 4

Make an early start and drive along to Rewa. There are three important detours on this route. The first is Gupt Godavari, a cavern system where a spring appears and then disappears into the mountains, and has been described as the secret Godavari. The second stop is Rewa district, where the river Tamas forms a series of wonderful waterfalls called Purwa Falls. It is believed that after being exiled, Sita spent the rest of her life on the banks of this holy river in Sage Valmiki’s ashram. The third stop is Chachai Falls, about 46km from Rewa, a tall cataract located on the river Beehar, a tributary of Tamas. The city of Rewa is built on the banks of the rivers Bichhia and Beehar, which join and eventually reach the Tamas or Tons. It is wonderful to sit on the banks looking down at the torrential waters.

Please note that MPSTDC provides fabulous options at all these places so that you can travel hassle-free. So ‘travel not to escape life, but so that life does not escape us’.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Where to stay

Orchha

Betwa Retreat, Orchha Bypass Rd, Orchha, 472246

email: [email protected]; Tel: 07680-252618

Website: http://www.mpstdc.com/properties/mpt-betwa-retreat-orchha/

Tariff: INR2,890 Onwards

Panna

MPTDC Jungle Camp, Madla

Jungle Camp Madla, Panna, Madhya Pradesh; Tel: 077322 75275

Email: [email protected]

Tariff: INR2,957 Onwards